[Buy or Not Buy] The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31

Here we are, in 2017, talking about a board game being brought to life from out past; 1982 to be exact. USAopoly’s Project Raygun has teamed up with MondoTees to release The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31, a game based on the classic horror film, The Thing. Almost seems out of no where if it wasn’t for the one tease they did awhile back about this becoming a thing.

But…should I be excited? Should I buy this thing?

The game will be available in all stores but they will have a limited edition because of course. And to be more cheeky, they are limiting it to 1982 copies. Unsure of the final contents but the LE comes with a poster, a pin and two extra characters. Definitely gets the blood pumping, urge to get something so rare. But that shouldn’t be the deciding factor. I am on the fence on whether this game should enter my collection.

The artwork almost looks bland but I think it is safe to say that the art design was made to be clean and retro to reflect the early 80’s vibe. In that sense, it totally works but I kind of wish there was a bit more to it. It looks okay and I am not wanting super, edgy, modern, flashy cards all in MY FACE!!! But maybe a half-step up? Minor nitpick since art shouldn’t be a huge part of a game purchase decision.

There is a major issue I have with all this though. In the current article, they get to the gameplay and it just seems like a summary of the plot along with the main objective. So in their gameplay section, no gameplay is mentioned. That is something that worries me. It is trying to be pushed out as a big deal (which it is) but no mention of designers and gameplay and it is coming out this October.

Looking at Project Raygun and knowing it is coming from MondoTees, I just want to make sure this isn’t just all style; a cool piece to put on your bookshelf to say you have it. The Thing feels like it should be the ultimate in hidden identity games and I am worried it is going to fall short. This looks like it is Project Raygun’s first game so I won’t completely right them off but I will be hesitant.

So am I going to buy it or not? Probably, but because I am a sucker for The Thing and not that (with all the information presented) I think this is a good game.

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